On the move to Abu Dhabi, CDG & Tours in the Loire Valley

Friday/Saturday 25/26 July

Early drop off at Tullamarine and good progress through check in, security & immigration, particularly, before the long boarding wait for a sold out flight.  All good despite the passenger load, but the seats and the aisles are getting narrower - or is it me ???

Ahead of schedule into Abu Dhabi despite having to "go around".

Good exercise to walk from Terminal 3 to 1 - but a big plus to have 2 hours in the Etihad Premium Lounge courtesy of the upgrade I was successful in bidding for on our Abu Dhabi - Paris flight - out of Terminal 1.

The upgrade proved even more valuable when we were held on the ground for almost 2 hours because a car (freight) was stuck In th hold so that it could neither be unloaded or loaded. Much more bearable in Business Class where we had "beds" (12 in our module in an area that would have held 50 Economy seats).

Eventually we got moving, Pat enjoyed the bed and I enjoyed the Johnny Walker Black Label, the french wine and particularly the sports massage embedded in the "bed".

Late arrival into Charles de Gaulle, Paris and, apart from collecing luggage, were through police, immigratiion and customs in 2 minutes.  Long walk to TGV station, wait and TGV to Tours in Loire Valley.  Check in to Hotel Mirabeau then head off for a drink and pancakes before calling it a day - the whole 33 hours of travel.  (Note - still a few editing problems at the moment.)